'˜True gentleman' remembered '“ family pay tribute to late Colin Clark

The family of a retired Boston businessman have paid tribute to his memory, and spoke of the '˜incredible' response they have received from the town following his death.
The late Colin Clark.The late Colin Clark.
The late Colin Clark.

Colin Clark, formerly of J. Clark & Son, based on Town Bridge, died on Tuesday, November 13, aged 77.

News of his death led to widespread tributes on social media, with son James describing it as ‘an incredible outpouring of comments’.

Colin pictured at London's Borough Market the week before his death.Colin pictured at London's Borough Market the week before his death.
Colin pictured at London's Borough Market the week before his death.
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“[It] really demonstrated the high regard he was held in by so many local people, and the phrases ‘a true gentleman’ and ‘always had a smile and time for a chat’ have been posted by many, and nicely sum up this popular local businessman and community figure,” he told the Standard.

Colin, a husband, father, and grandfather, was born in Boston. After leaving Boston Grammar School in 1958, he studied at architectural college which prepared him for his first job as a trainee draftsman at Boston’s J. Peck & Son.

Shortly afterwards, the family business beckoned, and Colin decided to join his father Albert at J. Clark & Son – a tobacconist dating back to 1885. There he helped to lead and diversify the business over a period of more than 50 years, before retiring and selling it on in about 2010.

“The family business J. Clark & Son really was Colin’s life,” said James. “He loved nothing better than advising customers on the unique and wide range of tobacco for pipe smokers and hand-rolling cigarettes and offering customers a sniff of the tobacco in the jars or giving away free samples. The business expanded over the years from tobacconist to greeting card sales and also then branched out into newsagency.”

Colin pursuing his interest in the RAF.Colin pursuing his interest in the RAF.
Colin pursuing his interest in the RAF.
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A service of thanksgiving will be held for Colin at the Stump on Friday, November 30, at 12pm. All who knew him are welcome.

“He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts,” said James.